Faced with instability in the broader Middle East and serious human rights violations in both the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Syrian Arab Republic disproportionately affecting minority communities, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) said that the lasting peace and stability in the region “could only be achieved through respect for international law and political solutions that prioritise the protection of civilians”.
The resolution adopted by PACE, based on a proposal by Piero Fassino (Italy, SOC), emphasised that the protection of civil populations, including persons belonging to ethnic and religious minority groups, must prevail in all political, military and security decisions.
Appalled by the violent suppression of peaceful protest that started on 28 December 2025 in Iran, PACE demanded “the immediate and unconditional cessation of the use of violence against peaceful protesters and an end to the killing” and called for the review of all death sentences imposed and the immediate suspension of executions, as well as the release of all protesters and political prisoners.
Deeply concerned about the safety of Kurdish communities and Christian, Alawite and Druze minorities in Syria, PACE called for those responsible for these violations to be held accountable before the international community, and for adherence to the ceasefire agreement, continued dialogue and an end to violence.
Finally, PACE welcomed the transition to phase two of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, underlining that durable peace requires the disarmament of Hamas, alongside the mobilisation of substantial resources for the reconstruction of Gaza. It also stressed its commitment to a peaceful, just and sustainable future for Israelis and Palestinians, “based on the two-state solution and in full respect for international law”.